Predicting Anxiety from the Complex Interaction Between Masculinity and Spiritual Beliefs

Research suggests that adherence to traditional and hegemonic masculinities can be detrimental men’s mental health. In particular, anxiety result from the incongruence between idealised lived experiences. Emerging research holding spiritual beliefs may protect against such anxiety. This Australian study investigated whether two aspects of spiritualism (Spiritual Openness Spiritual Support) could moderate relationship four stereotypical masculine behaviours (Success Dedication, Restrictive Emotionality, Inhibited Affection Exaggerated Self-Reliance Control) A cross-sectional, correlational design, with a heterogeneous, Western community sample included 331 male participants aged 18–67 ( M = 24.57, SD 10.37). partial support hypotheses, significant moderation models were found. Both Support moderated Control There no moderations for Success Affection. Masculinity did not have direct effects on These findings suggest when working men their health, it important consider congruence behaviors belief systems, as spirituality was only protective where these congruent self-reliance control. It appears potential benefit in reducing is dependent man being more open external supports, having lower need